A total of 170 doctors have completed their graduation in war-torn Gaza, holding a ceremony on Thursday in front of the destroyed Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Once the largest hospital in the Palestinian territory, Al-Shifa suffered extensive damage during Israeli attacks that left most of its buildings and equipment destroyed or unusable.

The graduates continued their studies and hospital work during two years of famine, displacement, and mass violence. Some were injured or arrested during this period. Gaza’s Health Ministry official Yusuf Abu al-Reish described the event as earning degrees “through bombardment, rubble, and rivers of blood.” One graduate, Dr. Ahmed Basil, said achieving an advanced degree amid destruction sent a message that Palestinians cherish life and remain committed to scientific progress.

Empty chairs displaying photos of healthcare workers killed during the war were placed at the ceremony, symbolizing the loss suffered by Gaza’s medical community.